Early Voting in Lake County: What You Need to Know

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Early voting in Lake County makes it easier than ever for residents to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day, giving voters flexibility to fit voting into their busy schedules.

Whether you’re a first-time voter or a seasoned participant, early voting allows you to avoid long lines, choose a convenient location, and take the time to carefully review your choices.

Here is what you need to know about voting early this primary election:

When Early Voting Happens

For the March 17, 2026 General Primary Election:

• Early voting starts: Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the Lake County Clerk’s Office, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan.
• County‑wide early voting opens: Monday, March 2, 2026 at additional locations throughout Lake County.
• Last day of early voting: Monday, March 16, 2026 — the day before Election Day.

You can vote at any early voting site in Lake County, regardless of where you live within the county.

Who Can Vote Early

• Any registered Lake County voter can vote early in person.
• If you haven’t registered yet, you can still register and vote at early voting locations during the grace period (starting Feb 5 through Election Day) by providing the required ID.
• You can also check your registration status and find your nearest earlyvoting site via LakeVoterPower.info.

What to Bring

• A valid form of ID is always recommended (driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.).
• If you’re registering in person during early voting, you must bring two forms of identification, and at least one must show your current address.

Other Voting Options

If early voting in person isn’t convenient, you can also:

• Vote‑by‑mail: Apply online or by mail and receive your ballot 40 days before Election Day.
• Election Day voting: March 17, 2026, polls open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at neighborhood sites across the county.